[jonty]

Manchester has grown to be a very popular choice for students across the UK and abroad. The universities continue to grow and take more applicants, and luckily student accommodation is keeping up. In fact it is widely known there is far more accommodation than students in Fallowfield and other student areas of Manchester.

Like most Universities in UK, Manchester University offers accommodation to its students, but 85% of them are reserved for first year undergraduates. Preference is also given to students who live far away from the city and those with disabilities. The Halls of residence cater to single or couples but do not operate accommodation for families with children.

The MMU owns 8 Halls of residence to cater to its large no of students and staff. However there are about 30 more privately owned Halls that cater specifically to Manchester University students. The MMU run Halls offer a variety of room types, from basic, cost effective single study bedrooms to more expensive en-suite rooms. Most of them are self catered with shared facilities. Generally, this inclubdes the internet, coin operated laundry machines, well equipped kitchens and activity rooms.

There are four campuses; All saints, Aytoun, Didsbury and Elizabeth Gaskell & Hollings, around which the Halls of residence are located. The closest to the University is All Saints, and the most preferred due to its location. Aytoun is a walkable distance from the city centre, convenient for shopping and experiencing the nightlife. All the campuses are well connected by bus. Tent for the Halls vary between £280-£400/ month and include basic utilities, like gas and electricity. One is also exempt from the council taxes when staying in the University Halls.

The largest Halls of Residence is the Student Village located in the All Saints campus. About 1007 rooms are available here and the rates are similar to MMU owned Halls. One has to pay a deposit of £150, security is provided around the clock and limited parking space is available. Post graduate and mature students are also welcome here.

Alternatively, private accommodation is available throughout the city for students who are well adjusted or simply prefer to live on their own. Q3 and Unite are well known for their lavish rooms with added frills. Q3 is located very centrally located and offers double and 3-4 bedroom flat options starting from £350/month. Each room has free internet, an LCD TV and en-suite facility. Pino is quite close to the Salford University and the rates are around £400/month.

Unite is at the higher end and has properties at Fallowfield, Rusholme and near the Manchester University. They have luxurious studios and flats. Prices start at £360/month and can go up depending on the accommodation type. Utility bills and insurance are taken care of, but one needs to pay £250 refundable deposit.

There are other options available to students, including larger housing schemes, bed-sits, home-stay and private home accommodation. Home-stay is a good option as you have your own private room with shared facilities and two meals are provided by the host family daily. The prices start from £400/month and you also have the option of taking rooms on a per day basis. The private home accommodation works in the same way but do not have meal options. This option is slightly cheaper, starting from around £360/month. The travel time to University is slightly increased as generally, these families live further out of the city centre.